Page 29 of Hatter

Hatter

The stench of blood and sweat filled the air as March’s boots cracked against broken glass, his stride all business. I watched him go, my gut telling me he was on the hunt for the rat. Good. One less thing to worry about right now.

“Shake, I appreciate you and your boys stepping in,” I said, my voice rough. Shake nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. Trust wasn’t something we handed out easily, but he’d earned it tonight.

His crew exchanged glances, their faces hard and unyielding. They knew what was coming next, and they were ready for it. This might be a job they’d be paid for, but first and foremost, they understood having a brotherhood you’d live and die for.

I scanned the rest of the men, my gaze settling on each one as I weighed their loyalties. My hand tightened around the grip of my gun, the cold metal reassuring against my palm.

“We’ve got a traitor in our midst. March is bringing him back here, and when he does, we’re going to make sure he regrets ever crossing us.” Murmurs of agreement rippled through the group, their expressions darkening with determination.

“Never thought I’d see the day when one of our own would sell us out,” Knave muttered, his voice laced with disgust. He rubbed the stubble on his chin, his eyes clouded with anger.

“When we find them, I want first dibs,” Cheshire said.

“Fair enough,” I agreed, my own fury simmering just below the surface. Betrayal cut deep, especially when it came from someone you’d let walk through your front door. I had to keep my head clear, though, if there was any hope of untangling this mess and saving Jo. And God help anyone who stood in my way.

“Think we could use Teddy somehow? I mean, to get to Eddie or find his current location?” Tweedle asked.

“If he knows, I doubt he’d say anything. But I won’t stop anyone from trying to pull it out of him by whatever means are necessary,” I said.

Nearly an hour later, the door to the clubhouse slammed open, March’s massive frame looming in the entryway as he dragged Teddy behind him like a rag doll. The atmosphere thickened with tension and unease, the other members of Underland MC glaring at Teddy with barely concealed disgust and anger. Fucking traitor.

“Got him,” March said, tossing Teddy onto the floor before us. The bastard didn’t even try to fight back, his eyes wide and panicked, sweat pouring down his face.

“Good job,” I told March, clapping him on the back. “Now let’s get this shit sorted out.”

The other club members murmured their agreement, their gazes never leaving Teddy. He looked like a cornered animal, desperate and terrified. Served him right.

“Wait here,” I said to the group, my gaze sweeping over them before I turned and headed down the hall. I had to make sure Jo was asleep before we dealt with Teddy. I still couldn’t believe the fucker had been spying on all of us.

Pushing open the door to Jo’s room, I found her curled up under the covers, fast asleep. For a moment, her peaceful expression made me forget the chaos outside. I felt a fierce protectiveness surge through me, knowing that she was counting on us to keep her safe.

“Mock,” I called softly, gesturing for him to join me. His wild hair and unkempt beard created an unsettling contrast to Jo’s fragile form, but I now knew his loyalty to the club was unwavering. I’d never admit to him I’d considered the fact he or Knave could have been the rat. “Stay here, guard the door. Don’t let her come out until we’ve dealt with Teddy.”

“Got it, Hatter,” Mock replied. His haunted eyes met mine, understanding the importance of his task. Good. She needed someone watching her back, and Mock wouldn’t let her down. I’d noticed the way she’d seemed at ease with him.

I stepped back out into the hallway, closing Jo’s door behind me. It was time to deal with Teddy and make sure he’d never pose a threat to my family again.

I walked back into the main room, the air thick with tension and the stench of betrayal. Cheshire stood in the center, his cold eyes locked onto Teddy, who was tied to a chair. March had done a quick job of securing him, and now it was time for answers. Although, I did wonder how we’d still had a chair. The rest of the furniture lay in debris around the clubhouse.

“Start talking, you piece of shit,” Cheshire spat, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. I could see the fury boiling beneath his calm exterior, and I knew Teddy’s fate was sealed. All that remained to be seen was how much he’d suffer before the end came.

“Please… I didn’t want to do it!” Teddy stammered. His face was twisted with fear, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for a way out. But there was no escape.

“Who put you up to this?” Cheshire demanded, gripping Teddy’s jaw and forcing him to meet his gaze. It was like watching a predator sizing up its prey, and I couldn’t help but feel a grim satisfaction at the fear in Teddy’s eyes.

“It was Eddie Lewis,” Teddy confessed, his voice trembling. “He found me when I was desperate for cash, said he’d pay me well if I helped him take down the club from the inside. Even before you took Jo, he wanted you gone. Then he found out she was here, he wanted her back.”

“Son of a bitch,” I muttered under my breath, my fists clenching at the mention of Eddie’s name. It made sense. He’d see us as a threat to what he was building in Warren.

Cheshire pulled out a knife and held it to Teddy’s throat. “What else? I doubt you played a small part in all this. We didn’t talk around you enough for you to give them as many details as I think you did.”

Teddy audibly swallowed. “Listening devices. Although, I did hear some stuff myself.”

“Where did you plant the listening devices?” Cheshire asked, his voice cold and unyielding.

“In the bedrooms, behind the dressers,” Teddy replied, tears streaming down his face. “Another under the bar, and one in the kitchen. I’m sorry, I never meant for anyone to get hurt. I just needed the money, and Eddie said he’d take care of me.”

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